Where to Consign, Donate or Trade What Your Kids Outgrow

The kids are back in school and now you can get down to business cleaning out their toy chests, closets and dresser drawers! Ready to trade in those gently used items for cash or store credit? We’ve got the deets on the best children’s consignment stores in San Diego. We’ve also rounded-up where you can charitably donate toys, clothing and other items your kids have outgrown and where your kids can trade their toys and video games to refresh their collections. Read on for the key to streamlining your home and putting some cash in your pocket!

Where to Consign

Need an extraboost to help pay for back to school clothes, sports, or piano lessons? With a little effort, your gently loved items can be sold for a major payoff. Here’s the scoop on where to go:

Little Love
This gem of a designer children’s consignment boutique in La Jolla is a parent’s dream come true. The savvy shop owner thoughtfully curates a delightful selection of gently used brand name clothing at great prices for babies and kids up to size 10. You’ll find brands like Mini Boden, Janie & Jack, Hannah Andersson, Zara, Burberry, Ella Moss, Splendid and much more. They also carry maternity clothing and small toys from stores including Pottery Barn and Land of Nod. Larger gear or strollers are accepted when there is room in the store (high chairs, bassinets, strollers, etc.). They offer 50/50 consignment on the items you can bring in at anytime during store hours (Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Items over $100 have a commission split of 70/30 in favor of the consignor and 75/25 for stroller sales also in favor of the consignor. They also have a software system that enables you to track your wares to see what has sold and checks are mailed out at the end of each month for the balance in the account.

Good to know: There’s designated parking behind the store. Also, they ship items. Shop via their Instagram page and shipping is usually just around $3. If an item is shipped out of state, no sales tax is charged.

RockaBuyBaby Children’s Resale
Head here to save money on gently used items for your babies and kids and also to earn cash or store credit on items you bring in. They buy baby/kids clothing in newborn to size 10, furniture, strollers, toys and more. You’ll save between 40-70% off retail on items you purchase here. Click here for their buying and selling policies and hours.

La Costa KidsLa Costa Kids is known throughout North County as a fabulous place to find soccer cleats, dance shoes and adorable high end kids’ fashion at unbeatable prices. The store looks for upscale brands in excellent condition that are less than two years old. They buy toys and baby gear too, but call or check their Facebook page to make sure they have room to consider these items. Buying times are Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. If you can’t make it during those hours, stop by and drop off your items. They’ll call within 48 hours to give you cash or store credit and return unneeded items. How easy is that?

Baby Go RoundSelling at this family owned store that values great customer service is easy-peasy. Just park and enter through the back for easy access to their buying counter anytime they are open from Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointment is necessary. They buy gear, toys, books and clothing from any store as long as it is cute, clean, fashionable and gently used. Click here to see what items they are currently accepting.

Junebug
Solana Beach is now home to another quaint spot you must visit: Junebug Children’s Resale Shop. Head here to buy gently used items for your kids, from jogging strollers and baby carriers to shoes (including ballet and tap shoes), toys, clothing and more. You can drop off your items to consign on Mondays or Thursdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Click here for info on their buying policy and guidelines.

Cory’s ClosetA go-to spot for resale, this La Mesa gem carries toys, baby gear and high end clothing sizes newborn through 12. A nice play area provides distraction for the kiddos while you browse and bring in items to sell. To find out about their weekly walk-in buying schedule, like them on Facebook. They’d love to look at your baby equipment and give you a fair price. Drop in any day Mon.-Sat 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with baby gear. This family owned business wants to accommodate your schedule. You can arrange an appointment or schedule a drop off by calling them.

Conceptions Children’s ResaleNeed a great bargain or fair price for your mid-ranged items? This East County resale shop has become a local favorite for families. They offer cash for brand name clothes, gear and toys. Sellers receive store credit for clothes sizes 2T and below and generic brands. Besides finding great prices every day, members of the military and teachers can receive additional discounts on purchases. Click here to get more information on how to sell.

Where to Trade

Replay Toys
This small toy shop in North Park is jam-packed with toys both you and your kids will love. If your littles want to swap their toys for a new selection, Replay Toys trades from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. They’ll sift through your gently used toys and give you store credit for what they select. They want clean toys in working condition––small toys only, as they don’t have room for big toys. They also don’t accept plush toys, weapons, remote control items or books for trade. Click here for a general list of toys Replay items is looking for.

Where to Donate

You’re familiar with the big donation spots (Goodwill, Amvets and Salvation Army) but there are many smaller organizations with a huge need for toys and goods to help out locals in need. Here are others that could use your support:

Twice Treasured
Swing by to donate your gently used items Weds.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. You’ll feel good knowing your items are going to a plethora of good causes on both local and international levels.

San Diego Rescue MissionHelping San Diego’s homeless and poor has been the goal of San Diego Rescue Mission for over 50 years. Donations go directly to those in need or are sold at one of their thrift stores. They especially need baby gear and gently used clothing and shoes for kids and adults. To donate, schedule a pickup with their online donation form or drop the items off at one of four locations.

Four locations: Point Loma, Mission, North Park and National City
619-819-1793
Online: sdrescue.org

American Cancer Society Discovery Thrift ShopsDrop off small, gently used items at these shops and feel good that your donation is helping to fund cancer research.

Home Start Thrift BoutiqueThis cute Normal Heights thrift shop benefits Home Start, a non-profit dedicated to countywide child abuse prevention. Their programs focus on parenting education and strengthening family self-sufficiency. Drop off your donations of toys, books or clothing during business hours Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Due to limited space, they do not accept furniture or gear.